On March 11, the 16th Beihai Fishing and Salt Culture Festival and Dragon-Head-Raising Festival celebration was held in Binhai district, Weifang, Shandong province. The Dragon-Head-Raising Festival, or the traditional Chinese Longtaitou Festival, falls on the second day of the second lunar month every year, and marks the start of spring and farming. This year it falls on March 11.

People gather to enjoy folk performances at the 16th Beihai Fishing and Salt Culture Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Local fishermen, salt workers, and residents gathered to pray for a year of national prosperity and a bountiful harvest of fish and salt. The festival featured a variety of activities, including dragon and lion dances, opera performances, folk exhibitions, and intangible cultural heritage performances. Visitors also enjoyed delicious foods and snacks while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Binhai district, with its unique natural advantages, has a developed marine culture and fishing and salt culture, taking full advantage of the ocean, fishery, and salt industries.

The Beihai Fishing and Salt Culture Festival has been held for the past 16 years. The festival has become a major event, integrating local culture and tourism. It also combines traditional folk customs, Chinese dragon culture, and ecological tourism and features a series of cultural performances and folk activities that integrate marine culture with folk culture tourism. It helps promote traditional culture and facilitates the development of the rural tourism industry.

People dressed in stunning folk costumes perform a dragon dance. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Beihai Fishing and Salt Culture Festival is a vibrant celebration of the local culture and heritage. Binhai district welcomes visitors from around the world to come and experience its unique charm and rich culture.